https://archive.ph/mf9Rn

The existence of a “pro-Russian contingent” in Ukraine poses a significant problem for Kiev and its overseas backers, in every way. Such sympathies are so widespread that even the mainstream media has acknowledged the reality on occasion. In January, The Economist recorded how residents of “pro-Russian” Ukrainian territory liberated from Moscow’s control in the much-vaunted September counteroffensive “still miss the Russians.” The outlet forecasted a struggle for Zelensky’s government “to win back hearts and minds” in these areas.

In other words, the Russians are genuinely seen as the legitimate government and not Ukraine by the local residents.

There are multiple reports of civilians in contested territory refusing to flee in advance of Russian forces arriving, and rejecting Ukrainian government evacuation programs. In August, an Italian newspaper spoke to locals in Kupiansk. As one explained, when Moscow’s forces entered the region in 2022:

“More than half of [Kupiansk’s] 25,000 inhabitants went to Russia, or at least to the areas of Donbass dominated by the Russian army…The truth is that no one here intends to leave. Those who wanted to have already done it…There remain the elderly, the poor, the infirm and those who see Russians not as occupiers, but as liberators.”

Again, the Western media is desperately trying to undermine this, but it is the brutal truth.

Mercenaries also testify to encountering pro-Russian civilians in Ukraine. One fighter has said their profusion is “a really serious issue,” as they often assist Russian forces, “passing information to the enemy” and significantly complicating Kiev’s war effort. Whether this assistance now extends to partisan operations, to assassinate Ukrainian soldiers and foreign fighters among other incendiary acts, we do not know.

Again, once a government like Ukraine loses the support of the local population, they become willing to work against the government that they see as oppressing them, along with anyone who has been willing to fight for that regime.

If foreign mercenaries are being shot in the back, all I have I say is that they signed up for this.